Phil Jagielka is buoyed by Everton's early transfer business and expects to welcome several new arrivals as Ronald Koeman reshapes his squad to contend with the rigours of a potentially hectic schedule.
The Toffees will compete in the Europa League third qualifying round after finishing seventh last season, with Koeman having since completed big-money moves for Netherlands international Davy Klaassen and Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
They both signed five-year deals at Goodison Park and, at 24 and 23 respectively, Jagielka believes the future looks bright and is looking forward to welcoming further arrivals.
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"It's nice to get some business done. Obviously we know we're going to be in Europe so we need a slightly bigger squad," the long-serving defender told Sky Sports, with the club having also signed Dutch teenager Nathangelo Markelo to join up with the Under-23s.
"I'm sure there'll be plenty more ins and outs before the transfer window shuts, but it's nice to see that we've managed to get a few players in. Quite a few young lads as well, for the club moving forward, which is fantastic.
"I'm sure I won't see them for a few weeks, most of them are still playing in the Under-21 [European Championship] tournament. It's nice to see the club are progressing well."
Having comfortably surpassed their points tally of the previous two seasons in the 2016-17 campaign, expectations are set to rise at Everton and Jagielka knows it.
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He added: "You feel that. Everyone's got that little bit more money to spend, everyone can get their squad a little bit stronger and after a pretty solid start under Ronald Koeman last year the fans will be hoping that's we can kick on.
"That's something we want to do. It'll be a little bit tougher with the extra games, but it's something that all the players are looking forward to doing."
Pickford moved from relegated Sunderland for an up-front fee of £25million, while Klaassen was lured from Ajax for an initial £23.7m.